HR Series with Solomon

HRwithSolomon

Welcome to the HR Series with Solomon, hosted by Solomon Koilraj. As a Human Resources student at CNA and a student member of CPHR NL, I’m on a mission to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world leadership. Join us as we interview industry experts and HR Directors to explore the "human touch" behind successful organizations. From recruitment and mentorship to operational leadership in Newfoundland and Labrador, we uncover the purpose behind the people. Subscribe to grow with us.

Episodes

  1. Jun 25

    Neuroscience: HR's New Frontier — Masterclass with Jess Chapman

    In this Masterclass Highlights episode of HR with Solomon, host Solomon Koilraj sits down with Jess Chapman, Cultural Architect and Founder of Ethree Consulting & NeuroWorks, to unpack how neuroscience is reshaping employee engagement, talent strategy, and the future of HR. With 20+ years of leadership experience at major firms, Jess shares frameworks you can apply immediately. KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1. The Four Pillars of Employee EngagementFour questions every employee should answer with a resounding "yes": Do you know why you are here?Do you feel like you fit in?Do you have what you need to succeed?Do you know how you are doing?2. Systemic Burnout vs. Self-CareOver 50% of North Americans report daily stress. Jess explains why burnout is a system design issue, not a personal failing, and how NeuroWorks is exploring cognitive and emotional load in the workplace. 3. Talent Strategy as a Business DriverTalent acquisition isn't a checklist. Jess explains why HR professionals must act as strategic influencers and consultants, not just technical process operators. 4. The Neuroscience FrontierFrom MRI-driven brain research to real-time engagement tools like Dr. Paul Zach's Immersion app, discover how brain science is becoming essential HR knowledge, plus why remote teams lose critical non-verbal communication and what to do about it. ADVICE FOR EMERGING HR PROFESSIONALS: Jess shares 4 golden nuggets for new HR grads, from understanding the full HR picture to getting comfortable with numbers ("HR is the limbs of the organization, but money is the blood"). 🔗 Connect with Jess Chapman: Ethree.ca | NeuroWorks.ca | Wired to Work Podcast 🎧 New episodes of HR with Solomon drop regularly. Subscribe so you don't miss the next one. #HRPodcast #Neuroscience #EmployeeEngagement #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #HRCareer

  2. Apr 17

    Moving HR from the Corner Desk to the Strategic Spotlight (ft. Laura Cashin)

    Stop fighting fires and start building blueprints. In our debut episode, CEO Laura Cashin reveals the exact systems needed to scale a business from 4 to 400 people without losing its soul. Are you stuck in "Reactive Chaos"? In this masterclass, Solomon Koilraj sits down with Laura Cashin, CEO and Owner of Blueprint Human Resources, to discuss the transformation of the HR profession. With 18 years of global experience, Laura breaks down the "Infrastructure of People" and how to stop treating HR as an administrative burden. In this episode, we dive into: The Rule of 5: A simple productivity hack to reclaim 20+ hours of your year. The 50-Employee Breaking Point: Why organic culture fails at scale and what to do before it breaks. Fractional Leadership: How small to mid-sized businesses can access senior HR strategy on a budget. Truth & Reconciliation: Moving beyond policy to authentic, embedded action in the workplace. The Corner Desk Syndrome: Advice for new HR graduates on navigating the gap between textbooks and reality. Whether you are an HR student at CNA, a business owner in St. John's, or a global people leader, this episode provides the structural blueprint you need to move the needle. Connect with our Guest: Website: www.blueprinthr.ca LinkedIn: Laura Cashin Follow the Journey: YouTube: @HRwithSolomon LinkedIn: Solomon Koilraj #HRwithSolomon #StrategicHR #BlueprintHR #NewfoundlandBusiness #Podcast #LeadershipDevelopment #ScalingSuccess

    Moving HR from the Corner Desk to the Strategic Spotlight (ft. Laura Cashin)
  3. Jan 29

    The Secret to Career Success in HR | Rebecca Cook (Director of HR, Avalon Holographics)

    Does professional success happen by accident, or is it built through connection? In this episode of the HR Series with Solomon, I sit down with Rebecca Cook, Director of HR at Avalon Holographics, to explore the transformative power of mentorship and the evolving landscape of Human Resources. Success is rarely a solo journey. Rebecca shares her insights on why having a mentor who provides honest feedback is the ultimate catalyst for career growth. We also dive into how HR professionals can remain proactive by embracing AI integration and staying adaptable in an ever-changing workforce. Whether you are a student, an emerging professional, or a seasoned leader, this conversation offers practical wisdom for building a career centered on People, Purpose, and Growth. In this episode, we discuss: The Power of Mentorship: How to find guidance that moves the needle. Workplace Impact: Turning high-level strategy into real-world leadership. The Future of HR: Staying ahead through adaptability and AI. The Human Touch: Why empathy remains our greatest professional tool. About the Guest: Rebecca Cook is a seasoned HR leader in Newfoundland and Labrador, currently serving as the Director of HR for Avalon Holographics. She is a champion for professional development and a strong believer in the impact of strong mentorship. You can listen to us on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-secret-to-career-success-in-hr-rebecca-cook/id1872127553?i=1000747120404 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/162YwZpGk3GKMByP7fRtz3?si=bomd07AdRr6QggNfb5jJqw Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/70a173ca-daaf-45f0-9c08-e9e5b00fee69/episodes/1997e380-b7a9-4e50-a4bc-91e7adee1610/the-secret-to-career-success-in-hr-rebecca-cook-director-of-hr-avalon-holographics Connect with the Series:📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRwithsolomon 🔗 Connect with Solomon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/solomon-koilraj/ #Human Resources #Mentorship#Leadership#Career Advice#Newfoundland Business#HR Series.

    The Secret to Career Success in HR | Rebecca Cook (Director of HR, Avalon Holographics)

About

Welcome to the HR Series with Solomon, hosted by Solomon Koilraj. As a Human Resources student at CNA and a student member of CPHR NL, I’m on a mission to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world leadership. Join us as we interview industry experts and HR Directors to explore the "human touch" behind successful organizations. From recruitment and mentorship to operational leadership in Newfoundland and Labrador, we uncover the purpose behind the people. Subscribe to grow with us.